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Though native to Australia, most all of the cockatiels available today in the pet bird market are domestically bred. These charming little parrots have a moveable crest on top of their heads and long pointed tail feathers. Their streamlined bodies are slender and tall. Males have prominent orange cheek patches and love to whistle. They easily learn to talk and make wonderful, sweet pets. The females, while not as vocally talented, make equally sweet pets. Hand raised babies are tame and trusting.
Cockatiels require spacious cages to accommodate their long tails and tall head feathers. They have a wide wing span and should have enough room on either side of the cage to allow for full wing extension. The cage must be tall enough so that the crest feathers don't touch the top cage bars. Specially made cages for cockatiels are available, but many cockatiels enjoy the space large parrot cages provide. Just make sure that the bars are spaced closely enough together so that the bird can't get its head caught between them and choke. Purchase a cage with a slide out bottom to make clean up quicker and easier.
Furnish your bird's cage with several perches in different diameters so that the bird's feet don't get tired and uncomfortable. Don't place one perch directly below the other unless you want to constantly clean droppings from the lower one. A cup for clean water is essential, as well as a cup for seed and treats. Cockatiels are active birds that enjoy climbing around in their cages and playing so they will appreciate a few hanging toys and a swing. Since male cockatiels like to talk to their reflections, a mirror makes a fun toy. Don't let the bird have access to the mirror all the time, though, or he may decide he only wants to talk to it.
Offer your cockatiel a varied diet. Avoid food mixes that contain mostly sunflower seeds, which are fattening if given too often. There are many nutritious cockatiel diets on the shelves. Look for products that have a wide variety of seeds in the mix. Safflower, pumpkin, Niger, millet, corn, oats and peanuts are all enjoyed by cockatiels and are good for them. Dried fruits and vegetables are also incorporated into many healthful cockatiel premixed diets. Pass on the brands that contain large amounts of cereal products.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are important in the cockatiel diet. Shredded carrots, grated apple or apple chunks, grapes, romaine lettuce, and corn are a few of the foods cockatiels relish. Never offer avocado to any pet bird. Avocado is toxic to avians and can cause serious illness or death. You must also never give your bird chocolate or caffeine. If you want to share ‘people' food with your bird, offer rice, pasta, dry cereal, bits of cheese, or scrambled eggs. Your cockatiel can have small amounts of just about anything you eat--except avocado, chocolate and caffeine--as long as it isn't greasy or too sweet. Some birds even enjoy pizza!
If you plan on allowing your cockatiel to have play time outside of the cage, you should keep the bird's wings clipped. This procedure is painless and doesn't harm the bird. Ask your veterinarian or pet store personnel to show you how to clip the flight feathers, or have them do it for you. Remember that a cockatiel can fly surprising well even with clipped wings and some cockatiels may take flight when startled. Keep all windows closed or screened, doors shut and ceiling fans turned off when your bird is outside its cage.
These small parrots are very intelligent and affectionate. With their sweet, gentle personalities, they make loving companions. Males learn to speak and will spend a great deal of their time whistling, singing and vocalizing. They also make a ‘knocking' sound by rapidly tapping their beaks against the cage bars or nest box. While the females don't usually learn to talk, they are just as bright and friendly as their male counterparts. Most cockatiels enjoy playing with appropriately designed toys, such as wooden ladders, swings, bird-safe chains and bells.
Cockatiels can and do bite if annoyed. Their beaks aren't very large so they can't deliver an extremely painful bite, but they can pinch. Never hit your bird if it bites you--put it back inside the cage and leave it alone for awhile. Once the bird realizes that it will have to spend time in confinement for biting, it will be less inclined to bite.
Sweet natured, smart, easy to care for and available in many pretty color combinations, cockatiels are wonderful birds. To find a source of hand raised cockatiels, check the ads in your local newspapers, or ask at pet stores and veterinarian clinics. If you're looking for a small bird with lots of personality, that isn't too loud or messy, can be taught to talk, and will bond easily with family members, then maybe a cockatiel is the bird for you!
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